Dolly Parton Is Putting New Music ‘on Hold’ After Husband Carl Dean’s Death

Dolly Parton isn’t working on new music as she grieves the death of her husband, Carl Dean.

The legendary singer, 79, addressed her break from songwriting on the Wednesday, July 9, episode of Khloé Kardashian’s Khloé in Wonder Land podcast. 

When Khloé, 41, asked whether Parton experiences writer’s block, Parton mentioned that since losing Dean earlier this year, “[There are] several things I have wanted to start, but I can’t do it.” 

She added, “I will later. I’m just coming up with such wonderful beautiful ideas, but I think I won’t finish it. I can’t do it right now, because I got so many other things.” 

She explained: “I can’t afford the luxury of, you know, getting that emotional right now. There are times like that, things like that, that will stall you a little bit. But I’ll write something else though, if it comes. … I’m just putting that all on hold.”

Dean died in March at the age of 82. Parton announced the news via Instagram, writing, “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”

Dean was laid to rest in a private ceremony. Weeks later, Parton noted that Dean “suffered a great deal” before he died. (A cause of death has not been publicly shared.)

In May, the country icon addressed her loss during an appearance on the Today show.

“I’ve loved him since I was 18 years old,” she said of Dean, whom she met in 1964 outside a laundromat shortly after she moved to Nashville to start her music career. They tied the knot two years later, and kept their marriage out of the spotlight for decades.

“It’s a big adjustment just trying to change patterns and habits,” Parton added at the time. “I’ll do fine, and I’m very involved in my work and that’s been the best thing that could happen to me. I’ll always miss him, of course, and always love him. He was a great partner to me.”

She said she was “thankful” for all the love she’s received from fans.

“I’ve gotten so many cards, letters, flowers from all over the world,” she revealed. “I had no idea Carl Dean was so famous.”

Nearly two weeks after Dean’s death, Parton made her first public appearance to welcome season pass holders to Dollywood for its 40th season. Speaking to fans, Parton paid tribute to her late spouse.

“I just want to take a minute to thank all of you for all the flowers and cards, and the well-wishes, for the loss of Carl,” she said at the time. “You know how I loved him and he would want me to be working today. I expect to be working.”